A lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (UNAAB), has called for the scrapping of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, citing poor remuneration and the harsh economic realities faced by corps members. The lecturer, whose statement has sparked widespread debate, argued that the scheme has lost its relevance due to the financial hardship and insecurity confronting young graduates during their service year.
Speaking at an academic forum, the lecturer emphasized that many corps members are posted to remote areas where they struggle to survive on their monthly allowance, which has remained insufficient in the face of rising inflation. He pointed out that while the original intent of the NYSC was to foster national unity and integration, the current economic climate makes it difficult for corps members to focus on the program’s objectives.
Many corps members have repeatedly voiced their concerns about the financial strain of the one-year service, with some seeking alternative sources of income to sustain themselves. Reports of delayed payments, poor living conditions in some states, and lack of proper support from government agencies have further fueled the debate on whether the NYSC should be reformed or scrapped entirely.
Critics of the lecturer’s position argue that despite its challenges, the NYSC remains a crucial part of Nigeria’s national identity and youth development. They believe that rather than scrapping the scheme, the government should increase the stipend, improve working conditions, and ensure better security for corps members, especially those deployed to volatile regions.
The call for the abolition of the NYSC comes amid growing concerns over the safety of corps members, with increasing cases of kidnappings, attacks, and inadequate welfare support in some deployment locations. The federal government has yet to respond to the latest demand, but discussions on the future of the scheme continue to gain traction among stakeholders.
